Residents who have spent the past three nights living in temporary accommodation after police discovered hazardous substances at a house in Bedminster have been allowed home.

Around 80 people were told they could homes tonight for the first time since Friday, when a large number of containers of chemicals were discovered at a house in Hastings Close following a fire and explosion.

In a joint statement by the police and Bristol City Council, issued shortly after 7.30pm, residents were told they could return home after investigators made “faster progress than expected” in identifying and making safe chemicals at the affected house.

A police van pictured outside a house in Hastings Close, where the hazardous substances were discovered following an explosion and fire

“Further to our earlier message about Hastings Close, experts made faster progress than expected and Avon and Somerset Police have now confirmed that it is now safe for evacuated residents to return to their homes tonight after 8.30pm,” the statement read.

“If you are able to transport yourself, please feel free to return home tonight after 8.30pm.

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“However, if you are already in temporary accommodation and would prefer to stay there tonight, you can return home at your convenience tomorrow.”

The statement, sent to affected residents via text message, added: “Thank you for your ongoing patience during this difficult and disruptive time. We hope you can return home and to your usual routines as soon as possible.”

Emergency services in Hastings Close, Bedminster, after hazardous substances were discovered at a house following an explosion and a fire (Image: James Beck)

One man, aged in his late 20s, has been arrested under the Explosives Act in connection with the incident, although police have ruled out terrorism as a potential motive.

Officers have been unable to speak to the man, however, after he suffered what were described as life-changing serious burn injuries in an explosion and fire at the home on Friday.

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The arrested man, who has not yet been formally named, remains in hospital while two other people, believed to be his brother and mother, were treated initially for the effects of smoke inhalation.

They have not been arrested in connection with the incident, which assistant chief constable Caroline Peters described as both “dynamic and unusual”.

“We have had to bring in specialist scientists, as well as experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, to examine the substances and I am pleased to say they have almost completed their work,” ACC Peters told the Bristol Post prior to the cordon being lifted.

Assistant chief constable Caroline Peters speaks to the Bristol Post

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“I do not want to speculate on the circumstances which led to the fire but we do believe this to be an isolated incident and we have no reason to believe it is in any way connected to terrorism.

“This has been an extremely unusual and dynamic incident and, while I’m hoping we’ll see a conclusion today, I won’t make any promises until I’m satisfied that it’s completely safe for people to return home.

“One man remains in hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained in the fire and I can confirm he has been arrested. Officers will be questioning him as soon as he is well enough.”